Bitdefender relaunches security solution that tracks “careless” apps

Aug 27, 2012 11:46 GMT  ·  By

Replacing the previously-removed iOS App Store version, Bitdefender’s Clueful app today returns as a free web-app for all devices that use a web browser. Clueful lets you know which apps are “careless“ with your private information, drain your battery, etc.

Romania-based Bitdefender, the renowned antivirus provider, today launched its redesigned Clueful application which mostly targets iPhone owners who wish to spot privacy violating apps.

It informs you which particular titles are “careless” with usernames and passwords, track location, drain the battery, flood you with ads, don't encrypt personal data or transmissions, and more.

Clueful also manages to pinpoint those wretched apps that track and aggregate your usage through multiple analytics networks. And you can also add comments on any app’s clue card now.

Bitdefender’s Chief Security Researcher, Catalin Cosoi, said “The iPhone is the most personal of your personal devices, storing large amounts of private information that app developers would love to access.”

“We feel Clueful is one of the most useful and valuable tools available to consumers and are excited to relaunch it,” said Cosoi.

“We’re putting Clueful out as a comprehensive, full-featured guide to iOS apps with added social features and are preparing further advances for this new technology. There will be much more about Clueful coming soon,” Cosoi concluded.

In Bitdefender’s lab testing, the popular Cut the Rope sent the phone’s Unique Device ID to a remote server. The UDID was not encrypted. The UDID can be used to track a user’s location or behavior across more than one application, according to the security firm.

Many other popular games and titles do the same, says the antivirus maker.

Bitdefender has confirmed to Softpedia that it continues to work with Apple to bring the original Clueful app back in the App Store.

“While most app developers use this information for legitimate purposes, others might not,” Cosoi said last month.

“Clueful was the best way for iPhone owners to know the difference. While Clueful remains off the App Store, we are working hard toward understanding why our app was removed and to develop the app to improve its chances of staying there,” Cosoi added.

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